Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project Faces Major Flaws

Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project Faces Major Controversies

Why in the News?

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana faces scrutiny after barrages developed structural damages within a few years of completion. A judicial commission, headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, has investigated the lapses and submitted its findings to the State government.

Telangana's Kaleshwaram Project Faces Major Flaws

Controversies and Structural Failures:

  • Location Shift: Original site at Tummidihatti (with >200 tmc ft water availability per CWC) moved to Medigadda, citing water shortage; earlier works worth ₹11,000 crore at Tummidihatti left incomplete.
  • Foundation Concerns: Barrages allegedly built on permeable foundations, unable to withstand large inflows.
  • Structural Damage:

○ Sundilla Barrage: Piers sank.

○ Annaram & Sundilla: Developed cracks due to high water storage against technical advice.

  • Decision-Making: Accusations that then CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao bypassed Cabinet approval and acted unilaterally.
  • Public Money Concerns: Rapid deterioration led to criticism of poor planning and execution.

Judicial Probe and Political Response

  • Inquiry: One-man judicial commission under Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose; examined 110 witnesses including KCR, former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, and ex-finance minister Eatala Rajender.
  • Findings: Highlighted negligent fund release and execution lapses.
  • Government Plan: Present report in Assembly during monsoon session, seek cross-party opinion, and inform public.
  • BRS Stand: Defends project as CWC-approved and Assembly-ratified, claiming criticism is politically motivated.

About Kaleshwaram Project :
● Type: Multi-purpose lift irrigation project on Godavari River, at Kaleshwaram in Bhupalpally district, Telangana.

  • Unique Feature: World’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project with over 1,800 km canal network.
  • Aim: Irrigation for 16 lakh acres across 13 districts, stabilisation of ayacut, and drinking water supply to Hyderabad and villages en route.
  • Water Allocation: 240 tmc ft — 169 for irrigation, 30 for Hyderabad drinking water, 16 for industrial/miscellaneous use, 10 for rural drinking water.
  • Infrastructure: Barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla, and Ramadugu.

● Cost: Initially ₹71,000 crore, escalated to over ₹1 lakh crore.